Won't you take me to ... Watertown!

Watertown doesn’t seem like a big destination location, but we seem to end up there a bunch.  Whether it’s attending a basketball tournament at the high school, or shopping at the flea market, we often find ourselves headed in the direction of Watertown.   Last Saturday, the big draw was the Watertown Car Show.  Hosted by the Good Wheel Cruisers Car Club, this one attracted an impressive array of old cars to the grassy field behind the Watertown Volunteer Fire Department.   Many car shows have obviously been cancelled this year, so it was nice to be able to get outside on a nice day and see what has been hiding in everyone’s garages.

Tri-Five Chevys are pretty common, but I never get tired of seeing them when they’re as nice as this ’56 Bel Air Coupe.  This one is finished off in the most perfect color combination: Matador Red and India Ivory.  What’s more, it appeared to be in perfect condition.  Sure, parts are easy to come by for these, but that doesn’t mean every restored ’56 Chevy is done this nicely.  This car stood out at first sight, and I am still thinking about it two days later.  Not that anybody cares, but if there had been an award for “Hover Motor Company’s Choice” at this show, it would have gone to this one.

Here’s a nice E5 Bright Red 1970 Dodge Charger R/T.  First of all, who said vinyl tops can’t be sporty?  In addition to the unnatural hides covering the roof, this one had Magnum 500 wheels and a 440-c.i. Magnum engine under the hood.  There was enough Magnum happening here to make Tom Selleck take notice.  Not that that’s really saying much.  Anyone who caught a glimpse of this charming Charger couldn’t help but take notice.  These cars are popular for a reason, and one look at this car tells you why.

Hailing from the same year as the Charger, here’s a Fathom Blue 1970 Chevelle SS.  The cowl-induction hood features Tuxedo Black stripes, which perfectly match the interior.  Release the hood pins, and you will be treated to a 454-c.i. big block.  That should be just enough power to roast the Goodyear Polyglas tires.  Incidentally, these old-style tires do not tend to perform as well as a modern radial.  But it sure does make a difference on the overall look of a show car when someone uses them.  You just can’t beat the look.  Overall, this was an exceptionally well-presented Chevelle.

Mid-‘60s Pontiacs really nailed that GM show car vibe of the time.  Just look at the design and details of this 1965 Grand Prix.  It seems like a simple, flowing shape, but upon closer inspection you notice complex creases and elaborate trim.  This Fontaine Blue beauty looked resplendent wearing its eight-lug wheels, and had the power to match with a 389-c.i. V8 and three carburetors.  Aftermarket air conditioning was added to keep that black interior cool.  These had gorgeous dashboards.  When you look through the photos, notice how the climate controls were designed to match the radio.

From one year later, check out this ’66 Ford Fairlane.  This car makes a lot of local car shows, which makes sense, because if I had it, I’d want to show it off too.  This kind of has that old-school “sleeper” look with the steel wheels and little hubcaps.  It’s no run-of-the-mill grocery-getter, though.  This one is generously powered by a  390-c.i. V8 that was bored out to 398-c.i., and was upgraded with all manner of aftermarket go-fast goodies.  The closest original color was called Vintage Burgandy, but even that seems a to have a little more pop than stock.  

If you didn’t make the 2020 Watertown Car Show, or if you just want to re-live it, there are 275 photos that you can check out by clicking this link.